Electroanalytical overview: The detection of the molecule of murder atropine

Abstract

In this overview we explore the electroanalytical determination of the molecule of murder: atropine. Atropine, occurs naturally in various plants of the nightshade family, including the deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna). On the one hand, atropine, a tropane alkaloid, has medical uses, named on the World Health Organisations list of essential medicines, used for example in resuscitations and as an antidote to certain poison gases and insecticides, but on the other hand, it is fatal in a high enough dose. Atropine derives it names from atropos, one of the three Fates, where in Greek mythology, one of the Fates determining the individuals moment of death. There is clearly a need to analytically determine atropine within clinical and other misdemeanours situations. In this overview, we review the current research directed to the electroanalytical sensing of atropine.

Keywords

• Atropine
• Electroanalysis
• Electrochemistry
• Sensing
• Electrode
• Electrochemiluminescence (ECL)